The Royal Commission is a crucial step forward in determining the full extent of problems in aged care and understanding the challenges and opportunities in delivering quality, sustainable aged care services now and into the future.
It will go to the structural reforms required, identifying where we as a nation need to make further substantial changes.
Ultimately, I want it to help build a national culture of respect for ageing and senior Australians.
As the Royal Commission goes about its critical work, our Government’s rigorous reform program will continue at full pace, with the new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, upgraded Aged Care Quality Standards and record levels of funding support for senior Australians.
This includes resourcing the new Quality and Safety Commission to triple unannounced reaccreditation audits of residential aged care homes this year with more surveillance and compliance.
I will follow closely the Royal Commission’s progress and findings, as will the new Quality and Safety Commissioner.
As with all issues of concern, compliance and preventive actions will be undertaken as required, without hesitation.
There will be absolutely no compromise on quality care.
